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E-Modularization of Rear Closures: Integration of New Generation of Electrical Systems 2001-01-0693

This paper presents the potential for rear closure submodules. Side door modules and lightweight rear closures have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. However the characteristics of future liftgates allow the design of specific mechatronic sub-modules (e-modulesTM).

Beside structure, rear closures satisfy three main functions: rear vision, rear signaling and rear access. All are undergoing a generation change that will be outlined in the first part of this paper, system by system. Each time the rationale behind modular integration, whether electronic or mechanical, will be reviewed.

The second part presents examples of e-modulesTM that illustrate the potential gains in terms of ease of assembly, packaging optimization and network integration.